Honor the King in his North Kohala birthplace
Every June 11th, thousands of people gather on the northern tip of the Big Island of Hawaii to honor Kamehameha I, the chief who united the Hawaiian Islands in 1795.
Kamehameha Day is recognized as a state holiday throughout Hawai'i, but North Kohala is a very special place to celebrate. Kamehameha I was born in North Kohala, where residents played a prominent role in saving his life as an infant.
Kamehameha Day is recognized as a state holiday throughout Hawai'i, but North Kohala is a very special place to celebrate. Kamehameha I was born in North Kohala, where residents played a prominent role in saving his life as an infant.
Small towns, big celebration
Although North Kohala is a small community, each year on June 11th it puts forth a large grassroots effort to present a full day of celebration and tribute to King Kamehameha.
Original statue draped in flowers. See the original statue of King Kamehameha I in all its holiday glory. Beginning at 8 a.m., the statue in Kapa'au is decorated with 22-foot-long floral lei created in tribute to the King. Statue decorating ceremonies start with an opening blessing, followed by hula, history, and music.
Traditional floral parade. Watch a traditional pa'u parade with horses and riders adorned in flowers and colors to represent each Hawaiian Island. At 9 a.m., the road closes while the Grand Marshal, Pa'u Marshal, Descendant of Kamehameha, Ambassador of Aloha, Pa'u riders and floral floats make their way from Kohala High School to the statue and back to Kamehameha Park in Kapa'au.
Music in the park. Enjoy a Ho'olaule'a (music festival) where you can eat local food, see masters create traditional arts and craafts, watch beautiful hula dancers and listen to award-winning Hawaiian musicians. The ho'olaule'a starts at 10 a.m. and continues until 4 p.m. at Kamehameha Park.
Visitors are welcomed to the North Kohala towns of Hawi and Kapa'au on Friday, June 11, 2010 to take part in this unique local event. A trip to this historic area on King Kamehameha Day is sure to be a highlight of a trip to the Islands. While in North Kohala, visitors can take in the natural beauty of ocean cliffs and ranchland, visit breathtaking Pololu Valley, and browse the area's many shops, restaurants, and galleries. Bring a camera.
Kamehameha Day in North Kohala: All-day festivities, all events free, always on June 11th.
The Kamehameha Day Celebration is supported in part by the County of Hawai'i Department of Research and Development and the Hawai'i Tourism Authority.
Original statue draped in flowers. See the original statue of King Kamehameha I in all its holiday glory. Beginning at 8 a.m., the statue in Kapa'au is decorated with 22-foot-long floral lei created in tribute to the King. Statue decorating ceremonies start with an opening blessing, followed by hula, history, and music.
Traditional floral parade. Watch a traditional pa'u parade with horses and riders adorned in flowers and colors to represent each Hawaiian Island. At 9 a.m., the road closes while the Grand Marshal, Pa'u Marshal, Descendant of Kamehameha, Ambassador of Aloha, Pa'u riders and floral floats make their way from Kohala High School to the statue and back to Kamehameha Park in Kapa'au.
Music in the park. Enjoy a Ho'olaule'a (music festival) where you can eat local food, see masters create traditional arts and craafts, watch beautiful hula dancers and listen to award-winning Hawaiian musicians. The ho'olaule'a starts at 10 a.m. and continues until 4 p.m. at Kamehameha Park.
Visitors are welcomed to the North Kohala towns of Hawi and Kapa'au on Friday, June 11, 2010 to take part in this unique local event. A trip to this historic area on King Kamehameha Day is sure to be a highlight of a trip to the Islands. While in North Kohala, visitors can take in the natural beauty of ocean cliffs and ranchland, visit breathtaking Pololu Valley, and browse the area's many shops, restaurants, and galleries. Bring a camera.
Kamehameha Day in North Kohala: All-day festivities, all events free, always on June 11th.
The Kamehameha Day Celebration is supported in part by the County of Hawai'i Department of Research and Development and the Hawai'i Tourism Authority.